Positioning of Nutritional Psychiatry in the 2025 Depression Treatment Guidelines

Abstract

This review outlines the positioning of a nutritional psychiatry perspective within the “Depression Treat-ment Guidelines 2025.” The guidelines were developed based on systematic reviews, including evidence on supplements and nutraceuticals. In patients with mild depression, some evidence of efficacy has been re-ported for interventions such as omega-3 fatty acids; however, the evidence was insufficient for clear rec-ommendations, and routine use is not recommended. In moderate to severe depression, natural foods are not proposed as monotherapy, and evidence remains insufficient in children and adolescents. In contrast, in older adults and in next-step treatment strategies, omega-3 fatty acids may have some benefit as adjunctive therapy and may be considered as one option. Overall, the evidence supporting nutritional interventions remains limited, and further high-quality evidence, including safety evaluations, is needed.